Thursday, March 31, 2011

Click here to view the video version of this interview. After a career as a middle school match teacher, George Wendt, left Los Angeles, California with his wife Pam and found a home in Angels Camp. He wanted to focus more intimately on the whitewater rafting business he started in 1969, which was intended to [...]

Surf photographer Lucia Griggi has a new website packed with great photos spanning surfing, lifestyle, fashion and place. Below are a few of our favourite photos, check out her website for loads more! We couldn’t say it any better than her bio does: "Half English and half Italian, Cornwall/Venice resident Lucia Griggi’s photography combines the [...]

Surf photographer Lucia Griggi has a new website packed with great photos spanning surfing, lifestyle, fashion and place. Below are a few of our favourite photos, check out her website for loads more! We couldn’t say it any better than her bio does: "Half English and half Italian, Cornwall/Venice resident Lucia Griggi’s photography combines the [...]

prAna?s spring women?s line has a little extra something special for our customers. As a part of a broader effort to reuse, reduce and recycle our packaging prAna?s women?s hang tags use 100% recycled paper, a safety pin to attached … Continue reading →

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

This is amazing footage of a run done by Fred Norquist and friends on Dipper Creek, BC, in October 2010.� Usually I’d have a hard time getting through an eleven-minute video but there’s something about this one that kept me glued to it the entire time – the drops are huge, the canyon setting is [...]

Welcome to Californian surf photographer Ricky Lesser. He’s only been shooting for 5 years, but we think you’ll love his work. Take a look… www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-photographer/ricky-lesser.php www.rickyjlesser.com

Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Tourism Development What guides the following thoughts on sustainable tourism originate from some of the broader questions we contemplate at TIES, and the work supported by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). I suppose it’s also based on what I think about, rather optimistically, as an academic, tour operator, and [...]

What Is Tech Diving? Tech diving (short for ?technical?) is both a new branch of diving and a very old tradition. In essence Tech diving is a crossover of longstanding commercial diving techniques and modern recreational diving goals. A Tech diver will use very sophisticated dive methods and equipment that have been developed and refined [...]

Since we are back home in Austria a lot of work was to do. Plus we saw a lot of windy days. In the beginning of September a massive cold front passed Austria and the lake was boiling. The temperatures were far below the average for this period of the year. We had a temperature [...]

Just updated Australian surf photographer Clare Plueckhahn‘s profile with great new surfing and lifestyle photos. You may recognise her name from our post last month about the premiere of her movie First Love. Check them out and tell us what you think here… www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-photographer/clare-plueckhahn.php www.clareplueckhahn.com.au

Thursday 24th March ? Laax?s tropical weather combined with MC James Thorne?s whimsical banter had the crowd vibed on the banks beside the halfpipe. The hot weather did mean the pipe slushed-up as the day went on but that didn?t? stop world class halfpipe runs being thrown down with huge methods, Mctwists and Haakon flips. [...]

While the last weeks the conditions had a lot of variety on my homespot, the lake Neusiedl. We got some days with strong wind from south eastern direction and I could get some good speed on my GPS. So I am in the 2010 ranking on top. Check out the following link! It�s really hard [...]

There are some who say that all Open Water courses are basically the same. The fact is that they are not. There are major differences in a number of programs. You need to be honest with yourself and decide just how knowledgeable and skilled you wish to be at the end of your first class. [...]

This year I attended Safety Day at two different dropzones. I’m lucky to live in an area where there are two high-quality establishments, each with their own unique community, but both having incredible staff and instructors. Last weekend I headed down to Skydive Chicago after work on Friday. I made it in time for the [...]

While hiking in Arizona, we recently discovered Fat Tire Amber Ale. It?s an excellent, craft beer: distinctive, refreshing, light yet full bodied, crisp but not biting. It?s made by the New Belgium Brewery, in Fort Collins, Colorado (www.newbelgium.com). New Belgium is similar to hikingcamping.com in to two respects: the company is employee owned and participates [...]

It�s a special trip on the Canaries this year. We first arrived on Fuerteventura and had a good time for about a week at Sotavento. Afterwards we travelled to Lanzarote reporting from the second PWA Freestyle event. The action was great. Sarah-Quita took another title and Gollito could defeat Kiri in the final. We stayed [...]

It was a foggy night on the Tuolumne River, with average evening temperatures settling in the low 50s. We had decided to set up camp at Indian, just under a mile downriver from Powerhouse. My fellow rafting mates were finally asleep after a long night of sharing jokes by the campfire and enjoying a brewski [...]

Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator The Scubapro MK25/S600 has been rated to be one of the best diving regulators that are available in the market in the modern times. This product when teamed up with the first stage MK25 becomes a deadly combination to the technical diver no matter the sea depth and coldness. This regulator is [...]

Thursday 24th March ? Laax?s tropical weather combined with MC James Thorne?s whimsical banter had the crowd vibed on the banks beside the halfpipe. The hot weather did mean the pipe slushed-up as the day went on but that didn?t? stop world class halfpipe runs being thrown down with huge methods, Mctwists and Haakon flips. [...]

Hello fellow Divers, Update: We are as well looking for permanent writers who can write on various scuba diving related materials. If you feel you �have the talent to write and tell our readers’ you story or experience, please drop an email via the contact form given. As you may already know Daily Scuba Diving [...]

This is amazing footage of a run done by Fred Norquist and friends on Dipper Creek, BC, in October 2010.� Usually I’d have a hard time getting through an eleven-minute video but there’s something about this one that kept me glued to it the entire time – the drops are huge, the canyon setting is [...]

As I sit here looking outside at what meteorologists across the Midwest are referring to as Snowpocalypse, �I can’t help but dream about those sunny afternoons spent in free fall. If you’re a skydiver living in a place that gets all four seasons like I do, then you understand the inherent challenge of staying on [...]

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The BRITS Snow and Music Festival, 20th ? 27th March 2011, LAAX, Switzerland Wednesday 23rd March ? A second day of stunning sunshine in Laax set the backdrop of the eagerly anticipated Protest Slopestyle event with Winter X Gamers James Woods and Katie Summerhayes taking home the gold. The course was as big and as [...]

For most of us involved in adrenaline sports, butterflies are a natural part of the game. They can be fuel in some instances. After all, what’s a good adrenaline high without pre-jump butterflies? That said, when too many flutters start happening in your belly, that can spell disaster. Not only could too much nervousness prove [...]

Equinox is an underwater video housing manufacturer that specializes in building safe, durable and affordable underwater video housings. They strive in providing excellent customer service and innovative, quality products for the professional, leisure and sport divers trying to capture the next great shot! They are as custom as they come building each housing with the [...]

I recently returned from a 2-week pilgrimage of South India with Douglas Brooks. This was my 4th trip to India over the last 22 years. I have always had profound experiences during each of my previous visits, yet the journeys … Continue reading →

We recently found what we believe might be the ideal camp shoes for backpacking. Until now, we?ve tried all sorts of cheap flipflops, imitation Crocs, etc. They?re light enough that they?re not burdensome in a backpack. And they?re adequate, allowing us to get out of our boots and walk around backcountry campsites without hurting our [...]

In the third installment from Blauvelt’s Backcountry, Jake heads to Norway for his first park shoot in more than two years, and talks about handling weather downtime, getting inspired by the sport's young guns and his appreciation for park riding.

Computer Body (Video) COUPON CODE: Save 5% with code GETFIVEOFF According to some sources, Bruce Irons is the second most watched surfer in the world. And why the hell not? The kid goes all futurama in small waves, has no shortage of sack when it comes to pulling in to meaty pits and thinks pro [...]

Kevin Pritchard is one of the guys on tour, who gives me a lot of inspiration and support as well. He tought me how to circle jibes towards the marks and helped me out with several trainingsessions. While the last years event at Jinha beach, South Korea, he filmed me while sailing and took an [...]

In the third installment from Blauvelt’s Backcountry, Jake heads to Norway for his first park shoot in more than two years, and talks about handling weather downtime, getting inspired by the sport's young guns and his appreciation for park riding.

Renowned for its lagoons and reefs in the sheltered refines of the Red Sea, Egypt is famous as a number one diving spot and as its popularity has boomed so has the opportunity to bag cheap Egypt holidays. With competitive exchange rates and healthy competition between diving providers, plus direct six hour flights, Egypt?s most [...]

Thursday, March 24, 2011

It seems these days that so many people out there are trying desperately to be somebody, but I can’t help to wonder if it’s really so bad to just want to be me… In times of loss there appears to be a lingering clarity of the mind, one that has the potential to help you [...]

Check out the Spring Fling from the folks at Venture Snowboards Saturday, April 2nd in Silverton, CO, for live tunes, a chance to win a new Venture deck and the opportunity to contribute to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

With winter in full swing and many of us who have been on the ground since November (yes, I’m slightly ashamed by this fact) are getting the itch to do anything skydiving related, now is a great time to get those pesky little to-dos out of the way. You know, rig inspections, reserve repacks, cypress [...]

Last Wednesday when the weather forecasters were calling for a torrential dumping of lowland snow around Seattle I was happy to hear that Dave Moroles�was still game for trekking out to the Skykomish for a run – and Rob McKibbin said if we showed up he would have to go, of course.� It turned out [...]

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Aside from some great snorkeling, I had one must-do item for my first trip to Belize: Actun Tunichil Muknal.� Located in the heart of the Maya Mountains in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, Actun Tunichil Muknal (or ATM, not to … Continue reading →

This just in from HQ!� As of early March, we are at 126% of normal for water content/snowpack in California.� This is pretty cool news–especially because it seems we are still looking at a fairly wet and cool spring, conditions which will either add to the solid base, or will preserve all the good stuff [...]

Late Fall Hiking in the Canadian Rockies Today is November 9, 2010. In our last blog post, we said that upon returning from northeast Italy and the French island of Corsica, we?d offer you whatever practical info we could about climbing the via ferrata in the Dolomiti and hiking the GR20. Well, we?re back?early. After [...]

This just in from HQ!� As of early March, we are at 126% of normal for water content/snowpack in California.� This is pretty cool news–especially because it seems we are still looking at a fairly wet and cool spring, conditions which will either add to the solid base, or will preserve all the good stuff [...]

Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator The Scubapro MK25/S600 has been rated to be one of the best diving regulators that are available in the market in the modern times. This product when teamed up with the first stage MK25 becomes a deadly combination to the technical diver no matter the sea depth and coldness. This regulator is [...]

Not to be confused with Love and Yoga. (A little self-promotion there, as Chicago’s newest Examiner!) If you’ve been following along it’s no secret that I’m passionate about everything in my life – my relationships, my job, my writing, even my sleep. No, I didn’t forget skydiving in that list. But I’d think on a [...]

Urbanears Plattan Headphone – Red Buy Online at Boardwise.com Use Boardwise Coupon Code ‘GETFIVEOFF’ to SAVE 5% Urbanears Plattan Headphone – Red Urbanears are born out of Scandanavia, home of good design and good ideas. These Plattan headphones not only look and sound good, they fold away to a fist sized unit and have a [...]

In the madness of the holidays you probably forgot that the annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival is coming� up!� The Nevada City event is the largest environmental film festival in America and plays films meant to both educate and inspire.� One of the films is of particular interest to rafters–Saving a River tells the [...]

Monday, March 21, 2011

I just posted 29 items for sale on the MEC Co-op Online Gear Swap. It?s all high-quality clothing and equipment made by Patagonia, the North Face, Lowe Alpine, Royal Robbins, Smith, C.A.M.P., Ibex, Valhalla Pure, Granite Gear, etc. And I bet all of it will be gone?purchased and in use by someone else?before Christmas. I?m [...]

I just posted 29 items for sale on the MEC Co-op Online Gear Swap. It?s all high-quality clothing and equipment made by Patagonia, the North Face, Lowe Alpine, Royal Robbins, Smith, C.A.M.P., Ibex, Valhalla Pure, Granite Gear, etc. And I bet all of it will be gone?purchased and in use by someone else?before Christmas. I?m [...]

Miracle March has been at it again in western Washington. The storms started to roll in the second week of February and haven't stopped since. This time of year is the holy grail to most snowboarders; strong legs, long days and healthy snowpack have the knuckle draggers on high stoke. I wasn't living in Washington when Mt Baker broke the world record for snowfall in 98-99, but now I know what the old boys are talking about. Baker has enough snow for June kicker sessions; the snow has been falling, the temps have been low and the skies have been grey.

“Greybird” is a term we use when discussing the lighting while trying to capture images via megapixel. Dylan Hart has a trained trigger finger and has been firing off shots for the masses. Shooting in minimal light is a hearty task. Greybird loves to flirt. She flies in and out bringing her light for a minute only to snatch it back once "drop" is yelled. The show must go on. It takes a trained lenseman to search out and find snow features that will photograph in these conditions.

Shawn Freyer and Byron Bagwell headed out with Dylan for a day to play with greybird. We got him to share the outcome with you. Have fun and stay safe out there.

In the madness of the holidays you probably forgot that the annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival is coming� up!� The Nevada City event is the largest environmental film festival in America and plays films meant to both educate and inspire.� One of the films is of particular interest to rafters–Saving a River tells the [...]

While there are many sights to see in Maui, some of the best adventures take place in the waters surrounding the islands. Maui boat tours help you experience your vacation to the fullest, whether you want to spend you time whale watching, snorkeling or taking in a spectacular Hawaiian sunset. We have tips to help [...]

In the madness of the holidays you probably forgot that the annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival is coming� up!� The Nevada City event is the largest environmental film festival in America and plays films meant to both educate and inspire.� One of the films is of particular interest to rafters–Saving a River tells the [...]

Zeagle Express Tech Review The item of gear that allows a diver to control their position in the water column, the buoyancy compensator is a crucial piece of dive gear. It not only allows us to control our position but also holds the tank. BC?s come in different configurations. These are generally divided into two [...]

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Blair Williams and Rob McKibbin were doing the Index to Split Rock Skykomish run a few days ago when the level was 5,000 cfs, which is actually kind of a tricky level for Boulder Drop, the big Class IV drop – the entrance can be a little less complicated�in the 6,000 cfs range I think.� [...]

I just love this video of a girl being taken down Itanda Falls rapid on the Nile River in the front seat of a tandem kayak.��I think�Anton Immler from Triberiders is the one behind her, although you never see him – he’s a really good kayaker�and it looks like they actually roll a few times, [...]

I’ve been meaning to do a series of posts on the Eskimo roll for a while – I know, this is very optimistic, considering my posting schedule.� But I really am passionate about it.� Getting a good roll is key to enjoying whitewater kayaking�to its full potential – you get to have more fun with [...]

There are some who say that all Open Water courses are basically the same. The fact is that they are not. There are major differences in a number of programs. You need to be honest with yourself and decide just how knowledgeable and skilled you wish to be at the end of your first class. [...]